Saint John

Whale watching in the Bay of Fundy isn't your average boat trip-it's more like a marine safari through nature's fun-house mirror, where fourteen-meter leviathans casually breach the surface just meters from your gently bobbing vessel, making your soul feel delightfully insignificant. Departing from the charming village of St. Andrews-a town whose maritime charm makes you half-expect Captain Ahab to stroll past clutching a cappuccino-you're headed directly into waters famous not only for their dramatic tides but also for hosting one of the world's most eclectic whale populations: humpbacks, minkes, and even the occasional endangered right whale drifting by with nonchalant gravitas. Aim for morning or late-afternoon departures-whales, much like moody novelists, prefer solitude and cooler temperatures. Reserve a spot at least a week in advance during peak summer months (July-August), and budget around $70-$90 CAD for a half-day excursion. Don't even think about arriving without layers, sunscreen, binoculars, and something waterproof to protect your camera, snacks, and dignity from ocean spray. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Even if your photographic skills fail spectacularly and the humpbacks decide to play coy, you'll leave with a salt-stung face, majestic memories, and the divine right to tell everyone at home how you nearly joined Captain Nemo beneath the waves.

Dangling high above the Big Salmon River, this suspension bridge near St. Martins gently sways like a tipsy uncle at a family wedding-utterly charming yet just thrilling enough to make you question your life choices. Built to span pristine waters amid rugged New Brunswick wilderness, crossing this bridge feels like stepping onto a film set blending Indiana Jones and Anne of Green Gables. Plan your adventure either early morning or late afternoon, when golden light bathes the wilderness and mosquitoes aren't yet aware of fresh meat strolling their way. Pack lightly but wisely-bug spray, sturdy shoes, and a dry sense of humor are your best companions. Budget is refreshingly minimal-free, actually-but do plan your visit at least a day ahead, because spontaneity, like cheap whisky, often leaves you with regrets. Sure, the bridge may tremble beneath your feet, reminding you of your mortality, but the delicious cocktail of mild nervousness and rugged Canadian beauty makes it entirely worthwhile-after all, who doesn't want a story that begins, "Did I ever tell you about that sketchy bridge I crossed in New Brunswick?"

If your idea of a good time involves teetering on jagged cliffs, battling obscenely steep hills, and inhaling ocean-salted air while cursing your poor life choices, then the Fundy Footpath awaits. Carved defiantly into New Brunswick's rugged Fundy coastline, this 41-kilometer wilderness trail isn't for the faint-hearted or tender-footed-but hey, that's exactly what makes it irresistible. You'll slog valiantly through lush old-growth forests and scrabble along empty beaches, pausing only to marvel (and breathe heavily) at legendary tides that rise and fall like the moods of a surly sea god. Plan to hit the trail early enough (think crack-of-dawn, coffee-and-regrets early) to tackle at least a few hours hiking per day, aiming to cover the full route in three to four days-so book campsites and arrange tide-timing logistics weeks ahead or risk awkwardly swimming parts of your trek. Budget around fifty bucks for permits and maps, and pack essentials: blister-proof socks, bug spray strong enough to deter small aircraft, and enough snacks to keep morale high during inevitable existential crises. Sure, it's demanding and occasionally punishing, but the Fundy Footpath offers a rare shot of wilderness authenticity-plus bragging rights that'll silence even your most annoyingly adventurous friends.